In 1930 Alice Bailey published a most revealing book
entitled 'The Soul and its Mechanism.' Her
stated goal in doing so was to set
forth a sane appraisal of the constitution of man as viewed from two seemingly
opposed philosophic and psychological view points – one the fruit of the
labours of the scientific and materialistic investigations of the West, and the
other the derived wisdom of long ages of introspection in the East. The former
is of course largely the story of the study of the objective mechanism. The
West has essentially rejected the idea of the existence of a soul or Self back
of the material form, citing, in its defence, a lack of scientific proof to
substantiate the claims. And, given the modus operandi of modern science, a
method which has undoubtedly served it well, this is not perhaps an
unreasonable position for it to take. The latter – the East – for the most part
has focused upon that which the West has denied, the subjective entity, the
soul or Self in man, and, whilst admitting the fact of form life, nevertheless
has tended to scorn this material aspect. Alice Bailey sought to indicate in
her book that both view points were at the same time correct and necessary, and
yet, viewed in isolation, essentially inadequate. She desired to show that
whilst the philosophies of the East and West apparently disagreed fundamentally
in their world view, they were each, in fact, simply observing the same unified
Whole and singular truth from differing perspectives.
As the primary vehicle for the expression of her envisioned
synthetic point of view, and in order to demonstrate her ideas practically,
Alice Bailey chose to concentrate upon the Western study of the glands of
internal secretion – more commonly referred to these days as the endocrine
glands – and their counterparts in subtle matter, the seven centres of force in
man as proposed by the East. She presented the hypothesis, long held as correct
in the East, that the two are in fact one integrated system; that the endocrine
glands and their secretions are the precipitation and outer effect of the
activity of one or other of the seven so-called chakras; agencies through which
the Real man, the soul or Self, is said to work and function upon the physical
plane.
The main purpose of this talk is to update, where possible,
information pertaining to the endocrine glands in view of advancements and
discoveries made in medical science since the publication of The Soul and Its
Mechanism back in 1930. At that time Alice Bailey summarised the then known
hormonal secretions and physiological effects of the glands, but made it clear
that her primary concern and interest lay in an appraisal of their
psychological and behavioural effects, thus linking them to what was known regarding
the occult and psychological characteristics of the seven subtle force centres.
It is fair to say that medical science has come a long way since then in
revealing the hormonal secretions which emanate from the various glands, and we
know far more about the consequences of these secretions so far as they affect
the physical mechanism. What is less encouraging, though perhaps not
surprising, is the far slower pace of advance being made in terms of
understanding their psychological and behavioural effects.
The glands are a fascinating study, though much detail has
been omitted from this talk due to the constraints of time; a general overview
only is possible with deeper penetration into certain areas of specific occult
interest. It should be noted that our discussion will be limited to a
consideration of those glands and centres which are to be found above the
diaphragm. With regard to those located below the diaphragm – the pancreas, the
gonads and the adrenals – Alice Bailey was quick to point out in her book that
a great deal was already known about the physiological and psychological
consequences of the activity of these glands, that much of this information was
easily accessible in print, and that since the centres below the diaphragm
relate more definitely to the appetites and desires of the lower man, there was
little need to investigate them too vigorously in a work primarily dedicated to
the revelation of the soul in man; which Entity, the East confirms, works more
consciously and specifically through the higher centres, or those resident
above the diaphragm. We will adopt the same premise. Despite these unavoidable
omissions, it is hoped that this talk will at least inspire many of you to
read, or re-read, Alice Bailey's book and perhaps even investigate further the
science of the glands and centres which are so fundamental to the study of man
and esotericism in general. So let us now proceed to the glands themselves,
providing a brief but necessarily incomplete overview of each in terms of physiology,
psychology and, drawing upon the works of Alice Bailey and other occult
investigators, those factors which are as yet unrecognised though perhaps even
now hovering on the verge of exoteric discovery.
Pineal gland
The pineal gland is located in the head in the centre of the
brain between the two cerebral hemispheres at the back of the third ventricle.
It is about the size of a pea and is named after its likeness to the pine cone.
In 1930 this gland was known to contain pigment similar to that found in the
retina of the eye, which speaks perhaps to the occult suggestion that it is the
regressed precipitation of the 'third eye.' This 'third eye,' Rudolph Steiner
tells us, was the primary organ of vision of primitive and ethereal man at a
time so far distant that science has, as yet, no conception of it whatsoever.
As man descended further into matter, we are told that the two physical eyes
gradually developed, and this 'eye of spiritual vision,' through the law of
involution, regressed in synchrony, to the point where now we have seemingly
only an obscure and vestigial gland within the head as evidence of a once
active visual organ. Alice Bailey had to report in 1930 that modern science
knew practically nothing of the functioning of this gland, and its secretion –
though at that time suspected – was entirely unknown. It had been suggested
that this gland 'regulates our susceptibility to light, that...it has effect
upon the sex nature...that it is related to brain growth and that its active
functioning causes intellectual precocity...' Today, we are able to validate
these propositions, and we have succeeded in isolating and identifying a
discrete hormone secreted by this mysterious gland – melatonin. As far back as
1917 it was known that bovine pineal gland extract had the effect of lightening
the skin of tadpoles, and yet it was only in 1958 that the pineal hormone
melatonin was finally isolated by a group of researchers at Yale University,
lead by Professor of Dermatology Aaron Lerner; they had hoped that this extract
could be used in the treatment of skin diseases, a specific line of enquiry
which unfortunately did not bear fruit. The secretion of melatonin is
stimulated by darkness and inhibited by light – it is known as the 'hormone of
darkness'' – and experiments have shown its influence on gonadal functioning,
the modulation of wake-sleep patterns or circadian rhythms and seasonal
functions, thus we have experimental validation of the tentative suggestions
earlier proposed by science and summarised by Alice Bailey. The naturally high
levels of melatonin found in children are believed to inhibit sexual
development, and pineal tumours have been linked to precocious puberty – which
we will have reason to consider further in just a moment.
Whilst researching this talk I had wondered about the
effects of artificial light and of shift work in our modern society, and how
these factors might impact upon the functioning of the pineal gland.
Interestingly, it turns out that the World Health Organisation has named shift
work as a probable cancer-causing agent! Part of the story may involve the
normal antioxidant and tumour suppressant activity of melatonin, which is
apparently inhibited as a consequence of shift work. Another interesting aside,
and somewhat surprising, if not perversely amusing given the profound nature of
our subject matter, is the fact that melatonin has been available – over the
counter and without prescription – in the United States since the mid-1990's;
it is considered neither a drug nor a pharmacological agent; according to the
regulators it is nothing more than a harmless supplement.
Alice Bailey details a most interesting case of the abnormal
functioning of the pineal gland in a young boy of five years of age. In this
case we are given a clue and rare insight into the potential of this gland,
which in no small measure strengthens the occult position taken on its
significance. We are told that this child was taken to a German clinic
suffering from eye trouble and headaches; he was 'very mature, and apparently
had reached the age of adolescence. He was abnormally bright mentally,
discussing meta-physical and spiritual subjects. He was strongly
group-conscious and only happy when sharing what he had with others...he
rapidly grew worse and died in a month. An autopsy showed a tumour of the
pineal gland.' (Berman). This is most interesting when we consider the Eastern
teaching that the pineal gland is the seat of the soul and is the direct
physical agent of the highest head centre, reportedly located at a point just
above the physical crown. Do we have then, in this peculiar and pathological
case, some indication of the truth of the oriental assertion that the pineal
gland and the soul are intimately related, and that this gland is in fact the
seat of this mysterious subjective entity which, we are told, is in essence
group conscious and concerned with the greatest good of the group, and not with
the selfish plans and concerns of the separated self or individual man? We are
advised by the Eastern philosopher that intuitive perception has its seat in
the region of the pineal gland, and that the hallmark of true intuition reveals
that which concerns the group and not the individual; it is said to carry on
its wings the consciousness of non-separativeness and of universal
inclusiveness; a revelation that concerns oneness and nothing else. Whilst
exceptional individuals may emerge from time to time to evidence these
qualities, for the most part the race as a whole is far from being focused in
the region of the pineal gland, and therefore medical science may have some
time to wait before a true picture of this gland's significance emerges into
clear focus.
Pituitary gland
Next, let us turn to the pituitary gland, which is in fact
embryologically and functionally two separate glands – one of glandular origin
(the anterior pituitary) and one of neural origin (the posterior pituitary).
This gland, again about the size of a pea, also resides in the head, at the
base of the brain just behind the root of the nose. It is well protected within
a bony cavity which is part of the architecture of the sphenoid bone. Alice
Bailey had little to report on this gland, beyond indicating that an extract
called pituitrin (a combination of oxytocin and ADH) had been isolated from the
posterior pituitary. But medical science has been busy, and, believe it or not,
we have isolated at least ten hormonal secretions emanating from this gland,
and it is now considered by science to be the conductor of the whole endocrine
orchestra. Furthermore, we now recognise that the pituitary is structurally
connected to, and functionally governed by, the hypothalamus, thus indicating
the profound underlying interrelationship and integration which exists between
the nervous system and the endocrine system.
Briefly, of the hormones secreted from the anterior
pituitary we have: growth hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone, each named
in reference to their basic effects; adrenocorticotrophic hormone, otherwise
known as ACTH, which stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete corticosteroids;
beta-endorphin, an endogenous pain-killer reportedly eighty times more potent
than morphine; prolactin, a hormone with over three hundred known effects,
including the stimulation of breast milk; the two gonadotropins – lutenizing
hormone and follicle stimulating hormone – which synergistically stimulate
female ovulation; and, last but not least, melanocyte stimulating hormone,
which influences skin pigmentation, appetite and sexual arousal.
The two hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary are:
oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contraction during labour, and anti-diuretic
hormone (ADH), which has influence upon the regulation of salt and water
balance and upon the resting tone of blood vessels. Both of these hormones are,
in fact, initially synthesised in the hypothalamus, but are transported along
nerve cells or neurones to the posterior pituitary where they are stored
to await secretion directly into the bloodstream. The
pituitary gland is involved, in one way or another, in just about all of the
body's physiological activities, either directly or indirectly via the combined
neuro-endocrine system.
An interesting question relating to the pituitary gland, and
one which arose in my mind some time ago whilst I was a medical student
rotating through the obstetric department and the labour ward, concerns the use
of synthetic oxytocin in modern medicine to induce labour at the discretion and
the time of choosing of the medical team. Given the claimed occult implications
of the exact time of birth from an astrological standpoint, and the
significance of a neonates first breath, one wonders if the deliberate
induction of labour has, in any way, the potential to interfere with these
subtle and occult influences, perhaps even to the point of altering the destiny
and life experience of a man? Of course the medical induction of labour is
usually done for very good reason and in order to protect the health of both
mother and child; nevertheless, this, and the increasing popularity and trend
towards delivery by elective caesarian section present interesting points for
occult discussion.
The pituitary is occulty recognised as the seat of the
integrated personality and the control centre of the entire lower man. It is
interesting to speculate upon the meaning behind this flood of discovery by
science in relation to this once mysterious gland. Could it be that even in
such a relatively short span of time the human race is rapidly awakening the
pituitary body through the stimulated activity of its subtle correspondence and
counterpart – the ajna centre. Might we concede perhaps that humanity is
including amongst its ranks an increasing number of high-grade, intellectual
and integrated personality types, thus furnishing the material and opportunity
for medical science to make its rapid discoveries? It has been said that as a
force centre or chakra becomes increasingly active, thus stimulating its
physical plane counterpart, so too emerges a concurrent era of discovery and
revelation in the realm of exoteric knowledge relating to that gland. Perhaps
then the time is ripe for the pituitary to reveal its secrets, thus paralleling
a rapid shift in the race consciousness, not least as a consequence of the
potent effect of widespread modern day education and the increasing use of
rapid communications systems - each symbolic of the unfoldment of intellect and
integration within the race psyche and a fertile field for the emergence of the
integrated personality or the pituitary type man. In Esoteric Psychology II
(p.553) Alice Bailey herself suggested that 'the activity of the ajna centre
will increase a great deal during the coming century, bringing with it its own
attendant problems.' All of the signs at the present time suggest that her
prediction was indeed a valid one.
Thyroid gland
Although the Thyroid gland is one of the major glands
located above the diaphragm, in 1930 this gland was already well understood and
appreciated. Therefore, beyond reiterating certain key points of interest,
there will be little for us to add in a brief update such as this.
The thyroid is to be found at the front of the neck. It is
essentially the gland of metabolism and of energy transformation, and it does
this through the activity of two closely related hormones – triiodothyronine or
T3, and tetraiodothyronine, more commonly known as thyroxine or T4. It is no
exaggeration to say that all aspects of the human mechanism come under the
profound influence of these hormones in one way or another, and an under or
over-functioning of this gland leads to significant and systemic morbidity
requiring treatment of one kind or another.
The thyroid gland also produces calcitonin, a hormone which
assists in calcium homeostasis. Of greater importance however in effecting the
body's calcium regulation is parathyroid hormone, secreted, as its name
suggests, by the parathyroid glands. These glands are four in number, and are
to be found embedded within the flesh of the thyroid itself, one at each of its
four corners. Due to their recognised importance in the well being of the
mechanism as a whole, every effort is made to preserve the parathyroid glands
when portions of the thyroid are removed in the surgical treatment of
hyperthyroidism.
Alice Bailey informs us that the thyroid was once a sex
gland, and that in lower vertebrates it is still 'clearly connected with the
ducts of the sexual organs.' In the East this suggested link between the sacral
centre and the throat, and between the gonads and the thyroid, is well
appreciated. In the processes of evolution, the energies expressed through the
gonads, and through the preoccupation with sexual activity and procreation, are
eventually raised to the throat and the thyroid, there to find expression in
creative work of a different kind –
Through the production of inspired art, music, drama and
literature, amongst other outlets of creative expression. It is the premature
transference of this energy which, we are told, has lead to an increase in the
prevalence of hyperactivity of the thyroid gland, with its attendant
physiological and psychological consequences. According to Alice Bailey, and
surely a point of very real interest to all who are seeking consciously and
sincerely to tread the Path of Spiritual Unfoldment, this premature
transference can occur through a situation of enforced or misguided celibacy,
or of an undue and unnatural inhibition of the sexual nature. The resultant
pooling of energy in the region of the throat can lead to congestion,
inflammation and metabolic upset, the energy having no true creative outlet –
in the majority of cases – for its safe release. We are further assured that
the activity of the throat centre is steadily increasing today, indicating the
likelihood of much physiological and psychological transformation, whilst at
the same time portending much in the way of difficulty and abnormality of
expression.
Thymus gland
Located in the upper chest, just in front of the heart, is
the thymus gland. In 1930 Alice Bailey stated that 'Of the thymus gland, we
know practically nothing, and it is one of the most mysterious of all. Like the
pineal gland, it is regarded as a gland of childhood, but both as yet baffle
investigation.'
Whilst retaining its status as a rather mysterious gland,
the thymus has begun to yield some of its secrets – at least from a
physiological standpoint – and, since the 1960's, it has been considered a
specialised organ of the immune system. It is known to be the location for the
education, maturation and even the wholesale elimination of T-lymphocytes –
critical cells of the adaptive immune response.
The thymus is known to secrete at least four hormones,
including thymosin – which is thought to help regulate the processes of T-cell
maturation. Immature T-cells enter the thymus directly from the bone marrow,
and undergo a rather exacting and elaborate process in order to test and
ascertain their goal-fitness before being released into the blood circulation
to detect and deal with specific antigens or non-self molecules which might
pose a threat to the organism as a whole. In this training, each T-cell moves
from the periphery of the gland to its centre, passing through a series of
selection processes, the final stage being at the centre, where the final test
of competence is administered before the successful candidates are sent out as
fully-fledged agents of the immune system. Each T-cell is trained to recognise
only one antigen, and in this regard the T-cell must pass the test of positive
selection – that is to say, it must prove itself capable of detecting a
specific antigen. More important is the test of negative selection, and each
T-cell must demonstrate that it is not susceptible to the error of mistaking
the body’s own tissue molecules for a foreign invader. Were it to do this, it
could trigger a disastrous and inappropriate immune response and cascade
wherein the body is induced to attack and destroy its own tissues – a
potentially serious condition known as autoimmunity. Staggeringly only 1% of
all T-cells make it through this vigorous selection process and eventually
undertake active service in the body; the rest are eliminated at various points
in the process. The occult similarity here with the hierarchical training of
disciples, and the eventual emergence here and there of the trained adept or 'the
efflorescence of a generation of enquirers' as one Eastern Teacher has put it,
is startling. The analogies are several: we have the sequential induction of
the candidate from the periphery to the centre of the Ashram, the planned
training of the discriminative faculty and the repeated testing of this faculty
in the field of experience, plus the ultimate goal of the ability to
differentiate Self from not-self in order to work harmlessly, effectively and
independently as an agent of the Plan in the three worlds. Of course, according
to the East the thymus is the physical correspondence of the heart centre, and
perhaps we should not be surprised to see in its functioning a likeness with
the activities of the planetary heart centre – the Hierarchy itself.
Turning to the wisdom of the East, and viewing this gland
and its force centre from the psychological aspect, there are in fact already
many indications that this gland is slowly awakening in humanity as a whole. We
are advised that when the thymus is active in the adult the quality of goodwill
will become increasingly apparent, and a capacity for group consciousness and
love of the group as a whole will emerge – expressed through various avenues of
group service. It is clearly the case that these qualities are rapidly emerging
today on the world stage and in every department of human interest. The
group-life is increasingly making its presence felt in the psychology of the
race.
Having now reviewed the major glands of the endocrine system
resident above the diaphragm, it is clear that medical science has come a long
way in a relatively short period of time – at least in the unraveling of the mysteries of glandular physiology. This advance should not
to be underestimated however, as these revelations have had a major impact upon
countless millions of lives, many of which have been either saved or
drastically improved by the hormonal discoveries of modern medicine and through
the agency of the various methods of glandular manipulation now available to
the modern physician. It could even be argued that the health of the mechanism
itself has been improved in a general sense through a greater understanding of
its needs, and a greater awareness of those factors which can lead to
devitalisation and eventually to the diseased state. The East of course would
caution the West not to put the cart before the horse, not to deal primarily
and indeed exclusively with effects, reminding us that the true science of
health, and the elimination of disease, lies ultimately in the correct
functioning of the force centres and through the unfoldment of an enlightened
and free-flowing consciousness. As we have seen, the psychological and
behavioural effects of the glands are less well appreciated in the West,
though, as modern psychology and modern medicine begin to integrate more
effectively over the coming decades – as surely they must for mutual benefit –
perhaps more will be revealed in this promising field of investigation. On many
points the wisdom of the East still awaits confirmation in the eyes of the
West, yet a more thorough psychological analysis of man in relation to his
glands may confirm, before too long, many of its basic tenets. It may even lead
the West eventually towards a closer inspection of the proposed force centres
which are said to substand and condition the outer physical glands, and, which
are, according to the East, themselves but agents of a greater Entity – the
ultimate cause of all apparent and outer effects – the soul or Self in man.
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